Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 7, 1994 TAG: 9407070105
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Duncan Parsons, who began work this month overseeing operations at the libraries in Pulaski and Dublin, previously worked at the Blue Ridge Regional Public Library's branch at Bassett. He began his library career by spending 21/2 years with the Boston, Mass., Public Library and five years with the Wooster, Ohio, Public Library.
"I've always enjoyed books and reading," he said. "And I wanted to be around books and people."
Since he "no way" wanted a career of selling books, he decided on library work and earned his master of library science degree at Boston University. He has been in library work ever since.
"It's a pretty nice situation to be in if you like to read," he said.
He had previously earned a bachelor's in geography at the University of New Hampshire. "I don't really know what I intended to do with my geography degree. I just enjoyed it."
Although it is early for Parsons to be announcing his plans for the library system, he does have one.
"The only thing that I am determined to do sooner or later is to get the circulation automated," he said. "And it's just a question of time, I think."
An automated circulation system makes it easier to keep records, order books and join networks of other libraries where additional materials can be obtained for patrons.
"This is the first library I've worked in that does hard charging," he said, charging out materials on "hard" copy rather than on computer. The libraries did recently get their books and materials on computer so that patrons can look for titles or authors more quickly.
He got his first look at the Pulaski County libraries during a visit last January. "And I said, 'Hey, this is fine,'" he recalled.
by CNB